🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jerry Zucker
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
- Release year: 1990
- Runtime (length): 2h 7min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (288k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dead investment banker learns how to use poltergeist powers to stop his buddy from stealing money and wooing his lady, all while relying on a reluctant psychic who’s really just trying to avoid singing ‘I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am’.
🍿 Ghost: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Couple’s Love and a Sudden Tragedy
Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen are deeply in love and starting a new life together in New York City. Their happiness is shattered when Sam is murdered during a mugging after discovering financial discrepancies at work. Molly is devastated, unaware that Sam’s death was no accident.

Sam’s Ghost and Oda Mae’s Gift
Sam finds himself trapped as a ghost, unable to communicate with Molly. He discovers that his death was orchestrated and Molly is in danger. Desperate, he seeks help from Oda Mae Brown, a reluctant psychic who initially believes she’s a fraud. Oda Mae, however, can surprisingly hear Sam.

Unraveling the Conspiracy and Protecting Molly
Sam uses Oda Mae to warn Molly, but Molly is skeptical. As they investigate, they uncover a money-laundering scheme involving Sam’s friend and colleague, Carl Bruner. Sam must learn how to use his ghostly abilities to protect Molly and expose the truth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze): A murdered banker who becomes a ghost, determined to protect his girlfriend and uncover the truth behind his death.
- Molly Jensen (Demi Moore): A potter and Sam’s grieving girlfriend, who is unaware of the danger surrounding her after Sam’s death.
- Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg): A reluctant psychic who can hear Sam’s ghost and becomes his unlikely ally in protecting Molly.
- Carl Bruner (Tony Goldwyn): Sam’s friend and colleague who is revealed to be the mastermind behind Sam’s murder and the money laundering scheme.
- Willie Lopez (Rick Aviles): The armed thug hired by Carl to mug and ultimately murder Sam.
- Subway Ghost (Vincent Schiavelli): A hostile spirit in the subway who teaches Sam how to use his powers to interact with the physical world.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Sam: “The love inside, you take it with you.” – Sam says this to Molly just before he ascends to the afterlife, realizing that love transcends physical existence.
- Oda Mae: “Molly, you in danger, girl.” – Oda Mae uses this phrase to warn Molly about the impending danger, a line that became instantly iconic.
- Sam: “Ditto.” – A simple yet powerful expression of love between Sam and Molly, repeated throughout the movie to emphasize their bond.
- Oda Mae: “I’m sorry, but I don’t do no voodoo.” – Oda Mae says this line when Sam asks her to help him communicate with Molly.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $22,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $217,631,306
- Worldwide Gross: $505,703,557
💥 Ghost Reviews
Personal Review
I saw Ghost when I was a teenager, and it completely wrecked me in the best way possible. The pottery scene is iconic, and the way Sam and Molly’s love transcends death just gets to me every time. Whoopi Goldberg is hilarious, and the ending still makes me cry. It’s a classic for a reason, and I always recommend it to anyone looking for a good cry and a heartwarming story.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of romantic dramas”
- “Viewers interested in supernatural stories”
- “Those who appreciate a mix of comedy and suspense”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence and some disturbing imagery.”
- “Mild language.”
- “Themes of death and grief.”
Professional Reviews
- The New York Times: “Ghost skillfully blends romance, suspense, and humor, creating an unexpectedly moving experience. Swayze and Moore’s chemistry is palpable, while Goldberg’s performance is a scene-stealer. The film’s exploration of love beyond death is both touching and thrilling.
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While undeniably sentimental, Ghost’s charming cast and deft handling of supernatural elements make it a memorable romantic drama. Whoopi Goldberg’s Oscar-winning role adds levity and heart to this unique love story.
- Entertainment Weekly: “Ghost succeeds by balancing its fantastical elements with genuine emotion. The film’s exploration of grief and connection is both heartwarming and exciting. The visual effects, especially for their time, are impressive and enhance the supernatural aspects.
Audience Reactions
The pottery scene is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers universally praise the chemistry between Swayze and Moore.
Whoopi Goldberg’s performance is hilarious and heartwarming.: Many appreciate the film’s blend of romance, comedy, and suspense.
Overall Consensus: A beloved romantic fantasy that blends heartwarming emotion, suspense, and comedy, anchored by strong performances and memorable scenes.
Awards
- Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1991
- Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1991
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Patrick Swayze was instrumental in casting Whoopi Goldberg as Oda Mae Brown after being impressed by her Broadway shows.”
- “The pottery wheel scene was initially conceived as purely functional, but the actors’ chemistry turned it into one of the film’s most iconic and sensual moments.”
- “The sound effects for the shadow demons were created by slowing down recordings of babies crying to create an unsettling, guttural sound.”
🖥️ How to Watch Ghost?
Ghost is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Paramount+ (via subscription), and for rental or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Ghost, you might like these similar films:
- Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990): Explores themes of grief and love beyond death with a more whimsical, British sensibility.
- What Dreams May Come (1998): Deals with similar themes of love and loss, venturing into the afterlife to reunite a couple separated by death, with stunning visuals.
- The Sixth Sense (1999): Features a protagonist who is dead and trying to resolve unfinished business, with a similar blend of supernatural and emotional elements.
- Just Like Heaven (2005): A romantic comedy where a man falls in love with the spirit of a woman haunting his apartment.
- A Guy Named Joe (1943): A World War II pilot returns as a ghost to mentor a young pilot.
🛒 Ghost Related Products
- Ghost [Blu-ray]: Relive the iconic love story in stunning high definition with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
- Ghost: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the enchanting music of Maurice Jarre and the classic ‘Unchained Melody,’ capturing the film’s emotional depth.
- Ghost – Movie Poster Print: High-quality reproduction of the movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or fan’s room.
- Whoopi Goldberg Signed Ghost Script: Limited edition replica of the movie script autographed by Whoopi Goldberg, complete with certificate of authenticity.
🎧 Soundtrack
Ghost features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Ghost was primarily filmed in New York City, capturing the unique atmosphere of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Key locations included Soho for Molly and Sam’s apartment and various Brooklyn streets for chase scenes.
‘Unchained Melody’ symbolizes the enduring love between Sam and Molly, a love that transcends even death. Its themes of longing and waiting for a loved one perfectly encapsulate the film’s central message.
Whoopi Goldberg’s portrayal of Oda Mae Brown brought a unique blend of humor and heart to the film. Her performance was critically acclaimed for its authenticity and emotional depth, making her a standout character.
🔥 Bonus Content
Ghost Stories Movie Review & Analysis
Hey, looking for a deep dive into the Netflix horror anthology ‘Ghost Stories’? This video should be your go-to! It breaks down the individual stories, giving you a fresh perspective on the movie’s scares and themes.
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